Burglar who murdered pensioner loses two appeals

A burglar jailed for life for the murder of “well-respected” Sligo man Eugene Gillespie has had appeals against his conviction and sentence dismissed by the Court of Appeal.

Simon McGinley, aged 32, of Connaughton Rd Car Park, Sligo, had admitted killing Mr Gillespie, aged 67, at his home in Old Market St on September 19, 2012, but denied it was murder.

The Central Criminal Court heard that the manslaughter plea was not accepted by the State and a jury was sworn in for the trial. He had pleaded guilty to the false imprisonment of Mr Gillespie, as well as trespass to commit robbery.